A good friend of mine just called to say he was going to Afghanistan in April, I am torn about this

[buzzard]

at first I thought this was a war worth supporting but lately I am not so sure. He is planning on staying with us before he leaves and i don't want to be miserable questioning his reasons. He is a Trauma surgeon well respected here and offered to go without pay so I know money is not the motive. I just have this nagging feeling that it is not a good idea but his reasons are that doctors are desperately needed and it is expected that the need will be great this spring and he wants to do what he can in a bad situation. Should I try and talk him out of this ?

[Suich]

1. Don't try to talk him out of this.

Maybe I've watched too many episodes of M*A*S*H, but I don't think he'd be on the front lines. His intentions are noble...celebrate that. He sounds like an exceptional person!

My thoughts and prayers are with him...

:)

[buzzard]

6. He is an exceptional person very hard to know I expect because of his talent he is very antisocial

but does want to do good with his talents. I have always found trauma surgeons to be this way most are perceived as arrogant bastards but I think this has to do with the situations they encounter. I just don't know about the real reason and truth be told many surgeons could not elucidate this.

[roody]

2. He sounds like a hero. The wounded soldiers will need him.

[The Straight Story]

3. My friend Jorge is there right now

Just sent me a newsletter from his group called 'Artic Heat'.

He has internet and we chat when he is able. Said it is hell there at times, dead bodies on the roads, etc and so on - but that they are making progress.

The biggest problem he sees is the warlords. He and others build a school, warlords come in and take it over, they go and kick them out.

From what he has said of late - the people in general like having us there, is better than the Taliban. But the warlords want to have more power - and so they end up cutting deals with them at times.

I have posted some conversations I have had with him before here, pretty eye-opening.

It reminds me of the US in some ways - we want a different government, but special interests keep getting in the way of change. We have the choice of giving up hope and letting the thugs take over, or staying and fighting the thugs (and making deals with them. He says it is like the mafia there in many ways).

I get the feeling most people want us there, except the power hungry RW'ers who want us to leave so they can get fundie on people.

My friend just wants to come home one the one hand, but also sees opportunity on the other hand. Leave now, the rw fundies will win as they have the most weapons. Stay, and we risk US lives.

Right now, we are trying to stick up for the little guy there - and more troops would help. But dumb ass bush sent them to Iraq.

[renate]

4. is he an adult? can he make decisions for himself?

Will he save lives if he goes?

My humble suggestion is to respect your friend's heartfelt motives and to give him all the support you can.

It's awful that his services are needed, but I am in awe of his unselfishness and bravery.

[NanceGreggs]

5. I think his reasons are obvious ...

... he wants to be where he feels his skills can save lives. There is no 'talking him out of it' at this point.

Your concern for his welfare is justified; you are obviously a good friend. Just let him know that his good friend will be keeping him in her thoughts and prayers, and will be there to say 'well done' when he comes home.

[buzzard]

7. I expect you are right, I just have personal misgivings in our Countries reason for being their.

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. I can't tell you what to do

but as a former medic, I salute others who go into harms way...

Offer an ear when he comes back... if he asks for one

[buzzard]

9. Thanks I doubt he will ask for an ear he is very private and this is what alarms me.

[nadinbrzezinski]

11. Well I speak of my own nightmaes

even here, but that is how I deal with them... each person deals with them differently

And there are some... I won't share.

I understand actually

Just be there... a silent respect is probably what he needs... after all he needs to mentally prepare himself and no ammount of training prepares you for the real deal

[TheBaldyMan]

10. Definately not, Doctors and surgeons are needed in Afghanistan

he will be working on civilians as well as military. Schrapnel doesn't ask what side you're on.

Your friend will do a great deal of good while he's out there.

[buzzard]

12. Thanks I am sure he will be an asset and that he will do whatever he can for either side in this

conflict . I just hope he returns whole, I know many do not.

[TheGriz]

13. Good on him!

He sounds like a real hero. People are going to be hurting this spring and he has the ability to help. And apparently the drive!

I think the war in Afghanistan is both just and winnable. Unless you believe 9/11 was a hoax, there is every reason to be there, both selfish and humanitarian.